Philosophy The Microdelivery Dream Peel 6% AHA/BHA Refining Gel

Philosophy The Microdelivery Dream Peel 6% AHA/BHA Refining Gel
5.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.3 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
$$$$

Review

Results you may expect from using Philosophy The Microdelivery Dream Peel 6% AHA/BHA Refining Gel:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Philosophy The Microdelivery Dream Peel 6% AHA/BHA Refining Gel:

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10.
  • Some anti-wrinkle efficacy: Philosophy The Microdelivery Dream Peel 6% AHA/BHA Refining Gel has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.0 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

How moisturizing is it?

Quite moisturizing: Philosophy The Microdelivery Dream Peel 6% AHA/BHA Refining Gel has a moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.3 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈7.5%), Lactic Acid (est. ≈2.5%) and Pentylene Glycol (est. ≈2.0%).

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Philosophy The Microdelivery Dream Peel 6% AHA/BHA Refining Gel has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 2.0 out of 10.

It contains 3 active ingredients with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy:

  • Glycolic Acid (est. ≈5.0%),
     highly effective in peelings, yet with below-average anti-wrinkle efficacy when used in leave-on skincare products.
  • Niacinamide (est. ≈0.3%),
     one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients.
  • Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈0.3%),
     or Vitamin C, a popular anti-wrinkle ingredient, yet with average efficacy confirmed by only one study.
Among others, Philosophy The Microdelivery Dream Peel 6% AHA/BHA Refining Gel also contains Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, an ingredient marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, this ingredient does not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 
Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, could deliver additional anti-wrinkle efficacy through its moisturizing action.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Antioxidant benefits

We estimate that Philosophy The Microdelivery Dream Peel 6% AHA/BHA Refining Gel is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Tocopheryl Acetate (est. ≈1.5%), Niacinamide (est. ≈0.3%), Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract (est. ≈0.3%), and others.

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
7.5
5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
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Ratings

All humectants
16.0
7.5
2.5
2
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 16.0 10
10.0
7.5
2.5
2
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.6 20
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
7.5
2.5
2
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 16.0 10
10
All humectants
16.0
7.5
2.5
2
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 0.6 20
0.3
All occlusives
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
1.5 /10 5 5 1.5
6 /10 4 0.3 0.4
2.5 /10 5 0.3 0.1
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
2
Glycolic Acid
1.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
1.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
5
Niacinamide
0.4
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Ascorbic Acid
0.1
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 4.8 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
4.8
Tocopheryl Acetate
1.5
Niacinamide
0.3
Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
0.3
Punica Granatum Seed Oil
0.3
Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil
0.3
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
0.3
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
0.3
Lactobacillus
0.3
Hyaluronic Acid
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 2.1 5 No
All soothing
2.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %65
Function
Origin
The most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Glycerin
Est. %7.5
Function
Origin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Glycolic Acid
Est. %5
Function
Origin

The second most used AHA (after lactic acid) known for its potent exfoliating and smoothing effects. It increases skin cell turnover, which is beneficial for treating acne. When used in peels, glycolic acid has confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy, though it is less effective in leave-on products like creams and serums.

Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %3
Function
Origin
An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.
Lactic Acid
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
The most popular AHA in skincare and less irritating than glycolic acid. It can be naturally found in sour milk. It is a humectant moisturizing, pH stabilizing, and gently exfoliating ingredient, able to soften dry, cracked, and peeling skin.
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
A naturally or synthetically derived preservative that exhibits effective antifungal and antibacterial traits. It also acts as a booster for more traditional preservatives. Pentylene glycol can also serve as a moisturizing humectant and solvent.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
A natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Chondrus Crispus Extract
Est. %1
Function
Origin
An extract from the species of red marine algae called Irish moss or carrageen moss. It is edible and widely used to produce carrageenan, a polysaccharide with humectant moisturizing and soothing properties.
Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A sugar-derived ingredient thought to provide protective benefits to the skin's microbiome which keeps skin feeling and looking healthy.
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A clear, pale yellow liquid, that functions as an emollient and a solvent, meaning that it is useful for dissolving oil-soluble ingredients.
Maltodextrin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A formula helper manufactured from starch. It has a sweet flavor and is often used in rinse-off products to support their foaming structure. Maltodextrin is also used to stabilize emulsions and to absorb and bind other ingredients in the formula.
Niacinamide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Derived from bright red hibiscus flowers, this extract contains anthocyanins (red plant pigments), antioxidant flavonoids, and high amounts of organic acids.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A fragrant, astringent essential water obtained by steeping and distilling the twigs and leaves of the witch hazel plant. It leaves the skin feeling tight and refreshed after application and helps with the healing of small cuts on the skin.
Cetearyl Olivate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A multifunctional ingredient derived from plants that primarily serves as an emulsifier. Supplied as a waxy ivory-colored flake, it can also be used as an emollient and slip modifier that gives a product an overall light, silky finish.
Panthenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Salicylic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
This effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores.
Sorbitan Olivate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An ester of sorbitol (a type of sugar alcohol) and olive oil fatty acids. It is used as an emulsifying agent to stabilize oil droplets in water (or vice versa).
Polysorbate 20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions.
Polymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A juice pressed from fresh Yacón tubers that is rich in humectant moisturizing oligosaccharides.
Sodium Magnesium Silicate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Punica Granatum Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An emollient and occlusive moisturizing pomegranate seed oil that is rich in a rare fatty acid called punicic acid, and that contains a high content of the antioxidant vitamin E.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An oil extracted from Chia seeds. It has a unique ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, making it the richest source of polyunsaturated fatty acids. It also contains antioxidant phytosterols and tocopherols (vitamin E).
Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An effective antimicrobial ingredient that kills bacteria, fungi, and even some viruses. It is also an excellent solvent and astringent. Alcohol helps to create lighter and less viscous products. It can, however, be dehydrating and skin-sensitizing.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A gelatinous juice from Aloe vera leaves that acts as a powerful humectant, emollient, and antioxidant. It contains enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that soothe irritated skin and have wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Glucose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A simple sugar that is also one of two components of sucrose, or table sugar. It is used as a humectant in skincare products. Glucose is also used to flavor lip care cosmetics because of its mildly sweet taste.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A well-researched soothing, wound-healing, and promising anti-aging extract that is obtained from the leaves of the Gotu Kola.
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus aurantium dulcis peel extract is the same extract as Citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) fruit extract. It has antioxidant properties and gives a skincare product a fresh orange scent. It also works as a thickener due to its pectin content. Read more about the extract here: Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract.
Limonene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
One of the most used fragrances in skincare products. It is produced from the peels of citrus fruits and has a fresh, pleasant, citrusy smell. People who are sensitive to citrus should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Derived from German chamomile flowers, this extract is especially known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits. It contains two soothing compounds called chamazulene and bisabolol, as well as antioxidant flavonoids.
Magnesium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Vanillyl Butyl Ether
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
The most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Lactobacillus
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A genus of probiotic bacteria. Lactobacillus bacteria are part of the human microflora and their ferment products contain antioxidants.
Lactococcus Ferment Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Pantolactone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A vitamin B5 derivative. Similar to panthenol, it has several benefits as an antioxidant and humectant. However, it is less reactive and therefore products can stay stable longer.
Hyaluronic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A potent, skin-identical humectant moisturizing ingredient that is able to bind water 1000 times its own weight. The anti-aging benefits of hyaluronic acid are due to its ability to stimulate the synthesis of collagen in the skin.
Silanetriol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
Sorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An organic acid that can be naturally found in the berries of the Mountain ash, although it is manufactured synthetically for skincare purposes. It is used as a preservative and antimicrobial agent, protecting a skincare product from spoiling.
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A vegetable-based ingredient that stabilizes mixtures of oil and water.
Ascorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin

Also known as vitamin C, this multi-benefit ingredient has proven anti-wrinkle, antioxidant, and anti-pigmentation efficacy. It degrades easily when exposed to air and light, so it requires proper packaging to maintain its stability.

Red 33 (CI 17200)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Also known as D&C Red 33 or Acid Red 33, this ingredient is a synthetic azo used to color skincare products. It produces a cool red hue, with undertones of blue that lead to a hint of purple.
Red 4 (CI 14700)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A synthetic dye that is also known as FD&C Red No. 4. This colorant produces a warm red hue that has an orange or yellow undertone.